Mumbai Metro Line 3, popularly known as the Aqua Line, has recorded more than 7.2 crore passenger journeys in its first year of full-route operations, highlighting growing commuter use of the city’s underground transport corridor. The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (MMRC) reported a total of 7,20,88,738 journeys between Aarey JVLR and Cuffe Parade.
In September 2026, the corridor registered average daily ridership of 2,24,602 on weekdays and 1,31,138 on weekends. The milestone marks a year since the entire route became operational, connecting key areas across Mumbai.
To commemorate the occasion, MMRC has announced two initiatives: the Aqua Line Time Capsule and the Aqua Line Passport & Stamp Trail.
The proposed Time Capsule will preserve photographs, documents, memorabilia and important records from the corridor’s construction and operational history. It will also capture aspects of Mumbai as it stands in 2026, creating a record for future generations.
The Passport & Stamp Trail will allow passengers and metro enthusiasts to collect specially designed stamps at selected stations while travelling along the underground network.
MMRC Managing Director Ashwini Bhide said, “As we mark one year of full-route operations, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Mumbai for embracing the Aqua Line and making it a part of their daily lives. Crossing 7 crore passenger journeys is a testament to their trust and support. The Time Capsule and Passport & Stamp Trail are our way of celebrating this shared journey and preserving its memories for future generations.”
Commuters have also highlighted the corridor’s impact on daily travel. Transport expert Vivek Pai said, “Metro 3 has made my daily travel much easier and seamless. I often travel from Andheri or Marol to Vidhan Bhavan or CSMT, and the journey that was once tiresome by car or local train has become far more convenient. The underground metro has made a real difference to my everyday commute.”
Commuter Suchita Garud said, “I travel from Santacruz to SEEPZ, and Metro 3 has significantly improved my travel time. Earlier, the journey involved a lot of struggle, but the metro has made the commute much faster, smoother and more comfortable.”
With ridership continuing to build, MMRC expects the Aqua Line to remain an important component of Mumbai’s public transport system.
